2012 NFL Free Agents: 3 WRs Who Could Replace Stevie Johnson in Buffalo

Buffalo Bills' fans are split on controversial wide receiver Stevie Johnson. 

Some want him, love his upside and adore the tweet-happy wideout that had back-to-back 1,000 receiving yard seasons for the first time in team history. 

Others are tired of his self-promotional antics and point to his crunch time drops and lack of productivity during Buffalo's losing skid this year as reasons to let him go. 

The Bills front office seems to like Johnson and the rapport he's formulated with quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick over the last two seasons. 

However, are they willing to pay him somewhere between $7.5 and $9.5 million (if franchised) a year? Is he a true No. 1 wideout? Can the Bills end their 12-year playoff draught with him as the go-to receiving threat? 

I, personally, think they'll re-sign him, but I wouldn't be shocked if he's let go. The Bills have let many players hit big pay days elsewhere in free agency during their decade of futility. 

If he finds a new home, need not worry, Bills fans, these three receivers would be fine replacements: 

Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City 

With the Chiefs looking to remain one of the youngest, most well-balanced and talented teams in the AFC next season, there's a good chance they'll lock up their best receiver Dwayne Bowe. 

However, if the Bills are really going to be as aggressive as they've said, and Johnson is gone, Bowe needs to be priority No. 1. 

At 27, he's in the prime of his career and has already tallied three 1,000 yard seasons in his first five years in the league.  

He's 6'2'' and 221 pounds, and would fill Johnson's role as the primary possession receiver while adding more explosiveness and reliability. 

Bowe is a sure-fire No. 1 wideout. 

I'm not sure if this will be an X-factor or not, but remember that Chan Gailey was the offensive coordinator for the Chiefs early in Bowe's career and was possibly instrumental in his development. You know how players and former coaches love reuniting. 

Robert Meachem, New Orleans Saints

One of the biggest knocks on the Bills offense during their colossal slide in 2011 was their inability to hit the big-gainer down the field. Donald Jones has speed, but he's not a legitimate starter at the NFL level. Meachem would bring the home-run threat Buffalo desperately needs. 

He's 6'2'' and a solid 215 pounds, and he would likely receive more targets on the Bills than he did in the crowded Saints' receiving corp. 

This five year pro is good after the catch and isn't solely a downfield danger. 

Gailey isn't on the same play-calling level as Sean Payton, but he's enamored with spreading out the defense and throwing it often. 

Meachem could flourish in Buffalo. 

Pierre Garcon, Indianapolis Colts 

The Bills need a steady, possession guy that has the ability to stretch the defense. Garcon would be a relatively cheap option that fits that need perfectly. 

He's only 25 years old and has been and underrated guy in Indianapolis during his the last three seasons in the NFL.  

Garcon set career highs in catches (70), yards (947) and yards per catch (13.5). He also caught six touchdowns in 2011, all without Peyton Manning under center for the Colts. 

He's a bit smaller than Bowe and Meachem at only 6'0'' and 215 pounds, but you'd be hard pressed to find a more well-rounded receiver that's ready to emerge as a premier wideout in the near future. 

He's been utilized on a variety of slip and bubble screens due to his deceptive yards-after-the-catch ability and is fast enough to run past cornerbacks on go-routes.

(Side note: Vincent Jackson would be a fine replacement option, but it's likely he re-signs with San Diego and chances are, he unfortunately wouldn't want to come to the Queen City. I believe Marques Colston will re-sign in New Orleans, as well.) 

Follow @ChrisTrapasso